Richard Lugar

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I will take the time before the vote to rise in support of the Craig-Baucus amendment. I am a cosponsor of S. 328, the bill on which the amendment is based. I appreciate the views of the Senators on both sides of the Cuban embargo issue. In the Committee on Foreign Relations, concerned Senators have offered constructive ideas on how to approach Cuba with the goal of transforming that island into a democracy, even as Senators disagree on interim policy steps. My view is within the defined limits of Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000, United States businesses and farmers should be able to sell products to Cuba. In the interest of expanding opportunities for U.S. agriculture, 5 years ago Congress enacted this law. It exempts from the trade embargo on Cuba commercial sales of agricultural and medical products and allows only for cash sales. No credit or subsidies to the Cuban Government are allowed. This law has provided a new market for our farmers and ranchers. The American Farm Bureau has reported that since the passage of the bill, United States farmers have sold approximately $800 million in agricultural products to Cuba. Exports to Cuba have more than doubled since 2002, reaching approximately $400 million in 2004. Growth in the Cuban market has become especially important as the United States agricultural trade surplus has narrowed over the last 2 years. Recently, the Bush administration issued a clarification to our Cuban export policy which changed the payment terms of cash sales to Cuba. The Treasury Department rule will make it more difficult to sell agricultural products to Cuba. The amendment would reverse the Treasury rule by returning it to the status quo payment terms. That has worked well since 2001. It also would cut some of the redtape that makes United States producers less competitive in the Cuban market. Expanding international markets in our hemisphere and the world will have a positive impact on the lives of Americans. All sectors, especially American agricultural, benefit from the opportunity to sell products to other nations that create jobs in the United States. My home state of Indiana is a world leader in agricultural production and manufacturing. If we hope to sustain our economic strength in the 21st century, we must participate in an expanding global economy. We must aggressively pursue opportunities in new markets and we must keep our competitive advantage and sell our products worldwide. As a Senator, I worked in the Congress to support trade and economic policies that I believe are in the best long-term interests of our Nation. Constricting agricultural sales to Cuba would have little or no effect on the Cuban regime, particularly since the rest of the world does not participate in our embargo. It would, however, limit the ability of our farmers and our ranchers to sell their products abroad. I urge my colleagues to support the Craig-Baucus amendment. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, once again the distinguished Senator from California has presented her case, as always, with conviction and with eloquence. She is an able and a remarkable advocate for her position on this very important and controversial issue. When President Bush restored the so-called Mexico City policy upon coming into office in 2001, he stated his conviction that United States taxpayer funds should not be used to pay for abortions or for those who actively promote abortions as a means of family planning. It should be made clear this does not lessen our country's commitment to strong international family planning programs. Indeed, President Bush's fiscal year 2005 budget requests $425 million for population assistance, the same funding level appropriated during fiscal year 2001, President Clinton's final year in office. President Bush has confirmed his commitment to maintaining these funding levels for population assistance because he knows that one of the best ways to prevent abortions is to prevent unwanted pregnancies through voluntary family planning services. This is the policy of our Government today and it is one that President Bush advocates in the future. I expect we will continue to have debates in the Senate on the Mexico City policy. As the distinguished Senator from California has pointed out, that has been the case for several years. Over the years there have been numerous attempts to reach compromise language that would satisfy all sides on this important issue, but no acceptable accommodation has thus far been found. This is why President Bush has advised us he will veto any legislation that seeks to override the Mexico City policy. USAID can and does provide the family planning information services in developing countries through many foreign NGOs. The President has determined that such family planning assistance will be provided only to those foreign grantees whose family planning programs are consistent with the policies of this administration. Every President since 1984 has exercised that right. As manager of the President's bill, I, along with every other Senator, must take seriously the President's statements that he would veto the legislation if it were presented to him without the Mexico City policy intact. I believe it is highly unlikely that he will change his mind at this point. The President has been very clear and the directives with regard to administration policy on this legislation are also clear. I will oppose this amendment. I ask other Senators to do so for the reasons I have given. I yield the floor.

Mr. LUGAR. I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be adopted.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that adoption of amendment No. 274 be vitiated and the amendment then be withdrawn.

Mr. LUGAR. At this juncture, I ask the Chair to recognize the distinguished Senator from Montana.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendments be laid aside.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, we have been attempting to arrange for a vote on the Lugar amendment. Senator Biden would like to debate that amendment, as I understand it. It may be that an arrangement can be made for a conclusion of debate tonight and a vote certain tomorrow morning. But for the moment, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Senator Biden be recognized in order to offer a substitute amendment to the language proposed to be stricken; provided further that there be 30 minutes equally divided for debate this evening; provided further that at 10 a.m. tomorrow, the Senate proceed to a vote in relation to the Biden amendment, with no amendments in order to the Biden amendment prior to the vote.

Mr. LUGAR. I thank the Chair.

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, as the distinguished Senators from Delaware and Maryland pointed out, and certainly Senator Biden was very heavily involved in the Helms-Biden legislation of 1999, that legislation which came after considerable argument in the committee and in the Senate, perhaps in the country, about what our fair share ought to be, the Helms-Biden decision was that the U.S. share of peacekeeping duties would decline to 25 percent of the world total. That still remains the law and important goal of U.S. policy toward the United Nations, at least for many Senators. Expression has been made tonight that perhaps our Nation ought to be more generous, and that could very well be the result of negotiations with the United Nations, but the intent, at least, of the amendment that I offered earlier in the day would strike section 401, which established a permanent cap of 27.1 percent. Senator Biden's substitute changes that permanent idea to a 2-year cap of 27.1 so that perhaps pragmatically there is some room and time to come to some agreement either up or down from that point. I simply observe that this issue, long before Senator Helms and Senator Biden reached a bipartisan compromise in 1999, exercised strong feelings on both sides of the aisle. I appreciate very much the sentiment of the Senators who wish to preserve the 27.1 cap. As I pointed out earlier in the day, I believe that we ought to pay our dues. Furthermore, I believe the United States has obligations of a humanitarian sort, quite apart from the pragmatic aspects of peacekeeping, which are important. Nevertheless, my hope had been that by in essence setting aside the issue out of this bill that we would give the U.S. negotiators the most leverage possible to obtain whatever our goals and objectives may be. I think there may be some ambivalence as to what those goals are. It may be ambivalence of a generous sort; namely, given all of the problems occurring in the world, we may wish to take on more. On the other hand, I would observe, as certain other Senators have, that the United Nations is in the process now of a great deal of reform thinking. The Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has suggested very substantial reforms. We are about to have a hearing on the nominee for our country's representative at the United Nations, John Bolton. I am certain many Senators on the committee will question Secretary Bolton on his ideas about reform and how he could be effective in bringing about a stronger United Nations and what the correct presence ought to be and what the correct leadership ought to be. Peacekeeping ought to be a part of that negotiation. I would further observe that in the coming weeks Congress will have further opportunities to work with President Bush and his administration to craft the most effective means of reducing the U.S. share of assessments or increasing them, as may be our preference. I believe this is an issue in which further consultation with the executive branch is desirable. For the moment, I appreciate that Senators will continue to have strong feelings about the United Nations generally, as well as our degree of participation financially and otherwise. That has been the nature of several debates over the years, and each time one of our authorization bills comes to the floor, this issue arises in one form or another. Nevertheless, I will oppose the Biden amendment with the recognition that, as a substitute, if it is adopted, it will be language that I hope at least goes to final passage of this legislation. If the Senator's substitute is not adopted, then he has assured me that by voice vote we will adopt the amendment I offered earlier on and proceed on to other considerations. I hope the Senate will adopt my point of view because I believe it offers more latitude for our administration and offers, perhaps, a more constructive avenue for reform of the United Nations and perhaps some leverage for both. In any event, I appreciate the sincerity of the debate, the importance of the issue, the recognition of the history of this debate over several years of time, and at least the resolve that tonight is the point at which I think we must make a decision.

Mr. LUGAR. I am happy to yield the Senator 2 minutes of my time.

Mr. LUGAR. I will conclude at least my portion of the debate by saying I recognize the Senator from Delaware does visit and works carefully with our administration. I appreciate that. I think it is important that America present as united a voice and face to the world as we can. I would just observe, pragmatically, that the administration in my judgment would like to have some latitude on an issue that has divided the Senate as well as the country for some time. I don't think this is a monumental subject. I think it is one that, clearly, constructive people can resolve. My hope is we can simply strike the peacekeeping issue from the bill so that latitude is available for whatever reform, reconstruction, and debate the administration reformers may wish to have at the U.N. in the coming months. Having said this, I appreciate Senators staying with this debate. We understand another will be on the way and there will be a short debate on this issue at 10 o'clock or thereabouts tomorrow, and then a vote on that issue before we retire to see the distinguished leader from Ukraine. I yield back my time.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. I ask unanimous consent that Jennifer Gergen and Joseph Bowab, two detailees from the State Department who are serving with the Foreign Relations Committee staff, receive floor privileges during consideration of S. 600.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, when the committee report (109-35) to accompany S. 600 was printed, the Congressional Budget Office's cost estimate was not yet available. I ask unanimous consent that it now be printed in the Congressional Record. Also, the same report contained a table with a clerical error. I ask unanimous consent that the corrected table be printed in today's Record as well.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise today in support of a bill that I have introduced authorizing the extension of permanent normal trade relations treatment. Ukraine is still subject to the provisions of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974, which sanctions nations for failure to comply with freedom of emigration requirements. Our bill would repeal permanently the application of Jackson-Vanik to Ukraine. In the post Cold War era, Ukraine has demonstrated a commitment to meet these requirements, and in addition, has expressed a strong desire to abide by free market principles and good governance. Last November, I served as President Bush's personal representative to the runoff election between Prime Minister Yanukovich and Victor Yushchenko. During that visit, I promoted free and fair election procedures that would strengthen worldwide respect for the legitimacy of the winning candidate. Unfortunately, that was not possible. The Government of Ukraine allowed, or aided and abetted, wholesale fraud and abuse that changed the results of the election. It is clear that Prime Minister Yanukovich did not win the election. In response, the people of Ukraine rallied in the streets and demanded justice. After tremendous international pressure and mediation, Ukraine repeated the runoff election on December 26. A newly named Central Election Commission and a new set of election laws led to a much improved process. International monitors concluded that the process was generally free and fair. This past weekend Victor Yushchenko was inaugurated as President of Ukraine. Extraordinary events have occurred in Ukraine over the last three months. A free press has revolted against government intimidation and reasserted itself. An emerging middle class has found its political footing. A new generation has embraced democracy and openness. A society has rebelled against the illegal activities of its government. It is in our interest to recognize and protect these advances in Ukraine. The United States has a long record of cooperation with Ukraine through the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction. Ukraine inherited the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world with the fall of the Soviet Union. Through the Nunn-Lugar Program the United States has assisted Ukraine in eliminating this deadly arsenal and joining the Nonproliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear state. One of the areas where we can deepen U.S.-Ukrainian relations is bilateral trade. Our trade relations between the U.S. and Ukraine are currently governed by a bilateral trade agreement signed in 1992. There are other economic agreements in place seeking to further facilitate economic cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine, including a bilateral investment treaty which was signed in 1996, and a taxation treaty signed in 2000. In addition, Ukraine commenced negotiations to become a member of the World Trade Organization in 1993, further demonstrating its commitment to adhere to free market principles and fair trade. In light of its adherence to freedom of emigration requirements, democratic principles, compliance with threat reduction and several agreements on economic cooperation, the products of Ukraine should not be subject to the sanctions of Jackson-Vanik. There are areas in which Ukraine needs to continue to improve. These include market access, protection of intellectual property and reduction of tariffs. The U.S. must remain committed to assisting Ukraine in pursuing market economic reforms. The permanent waiver of Jackson Yanik and establishment of permanent normal trade relations will be the foundation on which further progress in a burgeoning economic partnership can be made. I am hopeful that my colleagues will join me in supporting this important legislation. It is essential that we act promptly to bolster this burgeoning democracy and promote stability and in this region.I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise today in support of a bill that I have introduced authorizing the extension of permanent normal trade relations treatment. Ukraine is still subject to the provisions of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974, which sanctions nations for failure to comply with freedom of emigration requirements. Our bill would repeal permanently the application of Jackson-Vanik to Ukraine. In the post Cold War era, Ukraine has demonstrated a commitment to meet these requirements, and in addition, has expressed a strong desire to abide by free market principles and good governance. Last November, I served as President Bush's personal representative to the runoff election between Prime Minister Yanukovich and Victor Yushchenko. During that visit, I promoted free and fair election procedures that would strengthen worldwide respect for the legitimacy of the winning candidate. Unfortunately, that was not possible. The Government of Ukraine allowed, or aided and abetted, wholesale fraud and abuse that changed the results of the election. It is clear that Prime Minister Yanukovich did not win the election. In response, the people of Ukraine rallied in the streets and demanded justice. After tremendous international pressure and mediation, Ukraine repeated the runoff election on December 26. A newly named Central Election Commission and a new set of election laws led to a much improved process. International monitors concluded that the process was generally free and fair. This past weekend Victor Yushchenko was inaugurated as President of Ukraine. Extraordinary events have occurred in Ukraine over the last three months. A free press has revolted against government intimidation and reasserted itself. An emerging middle class has found its political footing. A new generation has embraced democracy and openness. A society has rebelled against the illegal activities of its government. It is in our interest to recognize and protect these advances in Ukraine. The United States has a long record of cooperation with Ukraine through the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction. Ukraine inherited the third largest nuclear arsenal in the world with the fall of the Soviet Union. Through the Nunn-Lugar Program the United States has assisted Ukraine in eliminating this deadly arsenal and joining the Nonproliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear state. One of the areas where we can deepen U.S.-Ukrainian relations is bilateral trade. Our trade relations between the U.S. and Ukraine are currently governed by a bilateral trade agreement signed in 1992. There are other economic agreements in place seeking to further facilitate economic cooperation between the U.S. and Ukraine, including a bilateral investment treaty which was signed in 1996, and a taxation treaty signed in 2000. In addition, Ukraine commenced negotiations to become a member of the World Trade Organization in 1993, further demonstrating its commitment to adhere to free market principles and fair trade. In light of its adherence to freedom of emigration requirements, democratic principles, compliance with threat reduction and several agreements on economic cooperation, the products of Ukraine should not be subject to the sanctions of Jackson-Vanik. There are areas in which Ukraine needs to continue to improve. These include market access, protection of intellectual property and reduction of tariffs. The U.S. must remain committed to assisting Ukraine in pursuing market economic reforms. The permanent waiver of Jackson Yanik and establishment of permanent normal trade relations will be the foundation on which further progress in a burgeoning economic partnership can be made. I am hopeful that my colleagues will join me in supporting this important legislation. It is essential that we act promptly to bolster this burgeoning democracy and promote stability and in this region.I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, for the Committee on Foreign Relations I report favorably the following nomination lists which were printed in the Records on the dates indicated, and ask unanimous consent, to save the expense of reprinting on the Executive Calendar that these nominations lie at the Secretary's desk for the information of Senators.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Health Promotion FIRST, Funding Integrated Research, Synthesis and Training, Act, legislation to provide the foundation for solid planning and a scientific base for health promotion. Between one half and two-thirds of premature deaths in the United States and much of our health care costs are caused by just three risk factors: poor diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco. Recent news reports have highlighted the alarming increase in obesity across the Nation. In the last 10 years, obesity rates have increased by more than 60 percent among adults--with approximately 59 million adults considered obese today. We also know that medical costs are directly related to lifestyle risk factors. The September 2000 issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion reported that approximately 25 percent of all employer medical costs are caused by lifestyle factors. Emerging research is showing the value may be closer to 50 percent today. Medical care costs are reaching crisis levels. Some major employers are actively exploring discontinuing medical insurance coverage if costs are not controlled. The Federal Government has the same cost problems with its own employees, and the cost to Medicare of lifestyle- related diseases will only increase as Baby Boomers retire, and more and more beneficiaries are diagnosed with lifestyle-related illnesses. An obvious first step to addressing our health and medical cost problems is to help people stay healthy. The good news is that both the public and private sectors are starting to do more in the area of health prevention and health promotion. For instance, the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 included several new prevention initiatives for Medicare beneficiaries. Also in recent years Congress and the Administration have worked together to pass numerous pieces of legislation to establish grants to provide health services for improved nutrition, increased physical activity, and obesity prevention. However, despite the success of many health promotion programs, there is a quality gap between the best programs and typical programs. This occurs because most professionals are not aware of the best practice methods. Furthermore, even the best programs reach a small percentage of the population and do poorly in creating lasting change. The Health Promotion FIRST Act will build the foundation for a stable coordinated strategy to develop the basic and applied science of health promotion, synthesize research results and disseminate findings to researchers, practitioners and policy makers. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop strategic plans focusing on the following: how to develop the basic and applied science of health promotion; how to best utilize the authority and resources of the Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal agencies to integrate health promotion concepts into health care and other elements of society; how to synthesize health promotion research into practical guidelines that can be easily disseminated and; how to foster a strong health workforce for health promotion activities. Additional funding is also provided for the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health to augment current activities related to health promotion research and dissemination. We have made a good start, at the Federal level, in addressing the needs of health promotion. However, we need to go further. I believe this legislation will serve as a good basis for Congress and the administration to take the next step in developing health promotion programs for the next decade.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Health Promotion FIRST, Funding Integrated Research, Synthesis and Training, Act, legislation to provide the foundation for solid planning and a scientific base for health promotion. Between one half and two-thirds of premature deaths in the United States and much of our health care costs are caused by just three risk factors: poor diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco. Recent news reports have highlighted the alarming increase in obesity across the Nation. In the last 10 years, obesity rates have increased by more than 60 percent among adults--with approximately 59 million adults considered obese today. We also know that medical costs are directly related to lifestyle risk factors. The September 2000 issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion reported that approximately 25 percent of all employer medical costs are caused by lifestyle factors. Emerging research is showing the value may be closer to 50 percent today. Medical care costs are reaching crisis levels. Some major employers are actively exploring discontinuing medical insurance coverage if costs are not controlled. The Federal Government has the same cost problems with its own employees, and the cost to Medicare of lifestyle- related diseases will only increase as Baby Boomers retire, and more and more beneficiaries are diagnosed with lifestyle-related illnesses. An obvious first step to addressing our health and medical cost problems is to help people stay healthy. The good news is that both the public and private sectors are starting to do more in the area of health prevention and health promotion. For instance, the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 included several new prevention initiatives for Medicare beneficiaries. Also in recent years Congress and the Administration have worked together to pass numerous pieces of legislation to establish grants to provide health services for improved nutrition, increased physical activity, and obesity prevention. However, despite the success of many health promotion programs, there is a quality gap between the best programs and typical programs. This occurs because most professionals are not aware of the best practice methods. Furthermore, even the best programs reach a small percentage of the population and do poorly in creating lasting change. The Health Promotion FIRST Act will build the foundation for a stable coordinated strategy to develop the basic and applied science of health promotion, synthesize research results and disseminate findings to researchers, practitioners and policy makers. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to develop strategic plans focusing on the following: how to develop the basic and applied science of health promotion; how to best utilize the authority and resources of the Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal agencies to integrate health promotion concepts into health care and other elements of society; how to synthesize health promotion research into practical guidelines that can be easily disseminated and; how to foster a strong health workforce for health promotion activities. Additional funding is also provided for the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health to augment current activities related to health promotion research and dissemination. We have made a good start, at the Federal level, in addressing the needs of health promotion. However, we need to go further. I believe this legislation will serve as a good basis for Congress and the administration to take the next step in developing health promotion programs for the next decade.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise today to share with my colleagues the winners of the 2004-2005 Dick Lugar/Indiana Farm Bureau/ Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Youth Essay Contest. In 1985, I joined with the Indiana Farm Bureau to sponsor an essay contest for eighth grade students in my home State. The purpose of this contest was to encourage young Hoosiers to recognize and appreciate the importance of Indiana agriculture in their lives and subsequently, craft an essay responding to the assigned theme. I, along with my friends at the Indiana Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance Companies, am pleased with the annual response to this contest and the quality of the essays received over the years. I congratulate Thomas (Trey) Dunn III of Jay County and Brittany Lechner of Daviess County as winners of this year's contest. Likewise, I include the names of all of the district and county winners of the 2004-2005 Dick Lugar/Indiana Farm Bureau/Farm Bureau Insurance Companies Youth Essay Contest. I ask that the following materials be printed in the Record.

Mr. LUGAR

Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise to comment on International Women's Day and to join Senator Biden in introducing the Protection of Vulnerable Populations During Humanitarian Emergencies Act of 2005. Today is International Women's Day, a day on which we celebrate the progress of women and rededicate ourselves to overcoming the inequities facing women around the globe. In many places in the world, discrimination continues to deny women and girls full political and economic equality. The lives and health of women and girls continue to be endangered by violence that is directed at them simply because they are female. In recognition of these issues, I co-sponsored a Resolution with Senators Biden and Clinton commemorating International Women's Day and reaffirming the Senate's commitment to improving the status of women worldwide. In addition, I am co-sponsoring with Senator Biden the Protection of Vulnerable Populations During Humanitarian Emergencies Act of 2005, which the Committee on Foreign Relations supported as an amendment to our Foreign Affairs Authorization Act for fiscal years 2006 and 2007. During humanitarian emergencies, women and children become more vulnerable to a range of abuses including sexual exploitation, trafficking and gender-based violence. Our bill seeks to ensure that U.S. foreign assistance programs are a force for protecting women, children, and other vulnerable populations in the wake of military conflict and natural disasters. The recent tsunami tragedy in the Indian Ocean region has highlighted this important issue. Tens of thousands of children have lost family members and friends and are coping with unspeakable trauma. Nearly 35,000 children have been orphaned, and many more have been separated from their families. These children face the imminent threats of hunger, disease, and diarrhea. Beyond these dangers, children are vulnerable to being trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labor, or conscription. Without their families, the children orphaned by the tsunami lack protection from predators who would profit from their tragedy. During many of the humanitarian crises that we have witnessed over the last decade, including Rwanda, Bosnia, and Sudan, we have learned that women and children are uniquely vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation. Over the course of the past year, the world has heard accounts of rape at the camps in Darfur in Western Sudan. Our bill aims to improve the ability of the United States to protect women and children, like those in the tsunami-affected region and in Darfur, from the additional dangers they face during a humanitarian emergency. Our bill calls for a coordinator for protection issues and a strategy to improve our ability to protect and respond to the needs of women and children in such crises. Our bill authorizes funding for the specific health care needs of women during an emergency, the establishment of registries and clearinghouses to trace relatives and help children find their families, and legal services for survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse. In addition, the bill requires that any organization receiving U.S. funds to assist in a humanitarian emergency have in place a code of conduct forbidding its employees from sexually abusing the victims of the crisis. Finally, our bill urges the United Nations to strengthen its policies concerning sexual abuse and exploitation by UN personnel involved in UN peacekeeping operations. I am hopeful that Senators will join me in backing this legislation.